CHICAGO (April 9th, 2021) - Two Chicago Red Stars made their professional debut and the club held the Houston Dash to three total shots as the opening game of the NWSL Challenge Cup ended in a scoreless draw.
KEY MOMENTS
17’ - Kayla Sharples’ volley attempt off a Kealia Watt cross from the right-wing is saved by a diving Lindsey Harris to keep the game scoreless.
46’ - Katie Johson’s close-range shot on goal is blocked by the defender to open up the second half.
52’ - Sarah Luebbert looks to capitalize off a series of attacking plays on Houston’s side of the field, but her shot is saved by Harris.
73’ - Sarah Woldmoe makes her Red Stars debut, subbing in for Katie Johnson.
86’ - Tatumn Milazzo subs in for Arin Wright, making her professional debut.
GAME NOTES
The chemistry of the Red Stars’ backline was displayed throughout the entire game, holding the Dash to three shots total and highlighting their cohesiveness as all four defenders have spent their entire careers in Chicago. Casey Krueger, Sarah Gorden, Arin Wright, and Kayla Sharples have all played every game in their respective NWSL careers as a member of the Red Stars, with the first three having been teammates since the 2016 season. Sharples would join the Red Stars after being drafted in 2019.
Cassie Miller capped off her first start with the club since joining the roster in 2020 with a clean sheet. The Florida State alumna received praise from her fellow Seminole, Casey Krueger. In the post game press conference Krueger stated, “She came in with confidence and led us and was super comfortable behind us, so that gave us confidence as well.”
A pair of newly acquired Red Stars made their debuts for the team in the second half of tonight’s contest. Sarah Woldmoe, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Gotham FC (then Sky Blue FC). Woldmoe would enter the pitch late in the second half, coming in as a substitute. Tatumn Milazzo, an Orland Park native, would sub in at the 86th minute for Arin Wright, officially making her professional debut after earning a Supplemental Contract with the team earlier this month.
In her first start since coming back from maternity leave, Arin Wright would play 86 minutes before being subbed off. Wright would end the night with 38 completed passes, three tackles, two interceptions, and a clearance.
Next Game
The Red Stars will make their 2021 Challenge Cup home debut against the Portland Thorns on Thursday, April 15th at 6:30pm CT.
Houston Dash vs Chicago Red Stars
April 9, 2021 BBVA Stadium (Houston, TX)
Goals by Half 1 2 F Houston Dash 0 0 0 Chicago Red Stars 0 0 0
Disciplinary Report
CHI: Wright (26’ - yellow card)
Lineups
CHI: GK Miller, D Krueger, D Gorden, D Sharples, D Wright (Milazzo 86’), M Colaprico, M Gautrat, M DiBernardo, F Watt, F Johnson (Woldmoe 72’), F Luebbert (Doniak 66’) HOU: GK Harris, D Hanson, D Oyster, D Naughton, D Prisock, M Seiler, M Ogle (Marshall 86’), M Groom, F Stengel (Fields 87’), F Visalli, F Latsko
Comentarios